After a full day of meetings or conference networking, sometimes you just want to unwind and enjoy something different, to experience a change of pace and escape the 'real world' for just a little while. There is no greater escape than the arts, and that's why we want to encourage our visitors to get out and experience the growing arts and cultural scene in Downtown Salem! One of the newest additions to Salem's art scene is Enlightened Theatrics, an up and coming theatre company that is bringing professional musical theatre experiences to audiences in downtown Salem. To watch one of their live performances in Salem's Historic Grand Theatre is an experience worth having! There's been a lot of buzz about Enlightened Theatrics since last summer's production of Hair along with other past productions including The 1940's Radio Hour and Songs For A New World. Producing Artistic Director/Founder and Salem native Vincenzo Meduri founded the company in 2013 after spending time directing, teaching and producing theater in New York City. After his invaluable experience as the Producing Assistant for the Broadway musical A Night With Janis Joplin, Vincenzo decided to bring the 'Spirit of Broadway' to Salem, Oregon. 'Musical theatre has always been a passion of mine since I first saw 'The Wizard of Oz' when I was 2 years old,' he says in this Statesman Journal profile. 'That spark has been growing inside me every day since, through my upbringing and education. Now I am thrilled to be able to share my passion and knowledge of the arts with the community of Salem and beyond!' The dream is about to come full circle for Meduri as his company plans to produce The Wizard of Oz this summer. This beloved classic runs July 22nd through August 28th, 2016. To learn more about this company and upcoming productions and tickets, please visit enlightenedtheatrics.org.
